May Solvig Bates' Obituary
May Solvig Applequist Bates passed peacefully from this earthly life on Monday afternoon, November 28, 2016. Mom was surrounded by family while prayers were being led by her pastor, Father Elmer. Through the course of the day all of her children, their spouses and her grandchildren spoke to her either in person or over the phone. Mom had a beautiful last day and she was not in pain.
Our mother was a very strong woman who loved people, life and big smiles. She lived with confidence and joy. Mom always preached kindness by saying "it doesn't take much". She was a very determined lady and she never saw obstacles that could not be overcome. She was devoted to a Christian life and she converted to Catholicism as a young adult. She loved living in Valley Center which has been her home for over thirty five years. Mom, dad and daughter Ellen moved from Pittsburgh, PA to be near mom's family in Valley Center.
Mom was born in Duluth Minnesota in 1925. Her parents Ernst and Ellen Applequist immigrated to America as young adults and had four children. Our mother earned a registered nursing degree in Schenectady, NY and practiced both public and private nursing during much of her life.
Mom's husband, our dad Benjamin passed in 1998. They were able to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary before our father's passing. Mom is survived by son Paul of Edwards, CO., son Peter and his wife Mary of Port Charlotte, FL, daughter Marianne and her husband Jeff Barg of Chicago, IL., and daughter Ellen MacPhee and her husband Gary of Valley Center, CA. Mom is also survived by grandchildren Christopher (Gina) and Eric Bates, Katherine (Chad) Cremonese, and Heather (Patrick) Curran and Ben MacPhee. Grandchild Rachel MacPhee,our angel, passed at three years old. Mom has two great-grandchildren, CJ and Jack, sons of Christopher and Gina Bates of Tampa, FL.
All are invited to a funeral Mass to be celebrated Friday, December 9 at 10:00am at St. Stephen's Catholic Church in Valley Center. A reception will immediately follow Mass in the community hall of the church. Interment will be private.
We are grateful to all of mom's friends, to the St. Stephen's parish family and especially to Hospice that provided loving and professional care to our mother. We are also so very grateful for mom's care givers, Gloria and Donna who mom called her angels.
Memorials can be made to the charity that helps to support hospice and palliative care in San Diego County. Checks can be made out to "A Gift Keeps Giving", 5625 Ruffin Road, Suite 110, San Diego, CA 92123. A Gift Keeps Giving has 501 (C) (3) status.
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